Griezmann announces Atletico Madrid exit

Antoine Griezmann has announced he is leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season amid widespread speculation of an impending switch to Barcelona.

UpdatedUpdated 15/05/2019

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The France international's five-year stint as the standout star of Diego Simeone's side will come to a close when Atletico conclude their La Liga campaign away to Levante on Saturday.

"Antoine Griezmann has informed the club that he will not continue as a rojiblanco next season," a post from Atleti's official Twitter account on Wednesday (AEST) read.

Barca look certain to be his next destination with Griezmann, 28, reportedly set on making a move he spurned last year.

The former Real Sociedad man appeared destined to push through a move to Camp Nou during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, only to undergo a sudden change of heart as he signed a new Atleti contract through to 2023.

That decision was revealed in a lengthy television special and Griezmann appeared in a video posted to the Rojiblancos' social media accounts to announce his exit.

"It's been an incredible five years," Griezmann said.

"Thank you very much for everything. I will keep you in my heart."

Griezmann becomes the third big name to head for the Atleti exit at the end of a season in which they finished as runners-up to Barca in La Liga.

France teammate Lucas Hernandez has already signed a contract with Bayern Munich, while long-serving defender Diego Godin is expected to join Serie A side Inter.